Researchers Identify Possible Causative Mutation for Crohn’s Disease: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Annual Conference to Present Emerging Research
New York, NY (Vocus) November 25, 2009
The molecular cause of inflammatory bowel disease is largely unknown, but research will be presented at the upcoming 2009 Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Clinical & Research Conference, December 3-6 in Hollywood, Florida, that may identify a causative mutation for Crohn’s disease. Evidence suggests that pathogenic mechanisms of Crohn’s disease may change with time, and the research abstract to be presented at the conference describes recessive mutations in the IL-10 receptor alpha and beta that may be causative for Crohn’s disease. The abstract was submitted by Dr. Bodo Grimbacher of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, and has recently been published in the New England Journal of Medicine (http://www.nejm.org, 11/4/09).
“This is very important and extremely exciting information, “says conference co-chair Richard P. MacDermott, MD of Albany Medical College. “Although just a first step in identifying the process that causes Crohn’s disease, eventually this may mean that successful treatment of patients may be possible using high local concentrations of interleukin-10.”
A record number of scientific abstracts have been submitted to the 2009 Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, outlining a broad scope of research projects. In addition to the IL-10 study, oral presentations will focus on improved patient outcomes, the use of new and emerging therapies, as well as better understanding the basis of the processes that cause Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Co-chair Stephen Hanauer, MD of the University of Chicago Medical Center emphasizes the need for a broad discussion of disease research and management options. “There are a number of unmet needs and challenges in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, such as the need for better inductive and maintenance agents that will improve both the patient’s symptoms and quality of life. Ultimately, agents that will prevent and cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are still needed.”
Physicians, researchers, nurses and other health care professionals are invited to register for the conference, which will take place December 3-6,2009 in Hollywood, Florida, at http://www.advancesinibd.com. Conference attendees will gain insight from expert faculty on cutting-edge research breakthroughs and advancements in IBD patient care. More than 1,000 healthcare professionals are expected to attend the conference – the largest and most important annual event in the United States dedicated to the state-of-the-art in basic and clinical research as well as clinical management of patients with IBD. Inflammatory bowel diseases are inflammatory conditions of the large intestine and small intestine affecting over 1.4 million in the US alone.
About Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn’s disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
About the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with approximately 80 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit http://www.ccfa.org.
About Imedex:
Imedex is dedicated to improving patient care through the education of medical professionals. We develop high quality scientific activities that translate the latest research into clinically relevant information. Our established relationships with leading investigators and researchers and some of the world’s most prestigious societies make our educational offerings the most effective in the industry. At Imedex, we believe that education is the best medicine®. http://www.imedex.com.
CONTACT:
Heather Drew
Imedex, LLC
Tel: +1 770 751 7332
h(dot)drew(at)imedex(dot)com
Ariella Levine
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Tel. +1 646 943 7430
alevine(at)ccfa(dot)org
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